NuNomad Location Independent Living, Lifestyle Design, Independent Travel

by Carmen

How do you find accommodations in a new destination when you don't know the area, don't speak the language and have no transportation?  Our family recently arrived in Florianopolis, Brazil.  I don't speak Portuguese but I do know some Spanish.  Our friends had told us many times, "Oh, it will be so easy. You are arriving off season and there will be so many places to rent!".  While it was true that there were many places to rent, I found that actually getting an appropriate place to live with our 3 kids and to do my internet work was not so easy.  Details such as whether a place was managed by a real estate agency, whether they were willing to rent by the month, and whether they were open to dealing with me in my broken Portuguese, made a huge difference.  Once our Brazilian friends arrived life became simpler and we were able to see more places.  Still, finding the right place took some effort. 

Here are some tips from our own experience:

1. First, make sure you have a reasonably priced, safe and well located accommodation for your initial arrival.  Ideally, this will be an accommodation where you can extend your stay if finding the right apartment or home takes longer than you expected.  Consider whether you can afford to remain here longer if this situation arises.  This first stop should be centrally located in your destination, making your subsequent search more convenient.  Hostels can be a great option for this primary stop.  Book this first stop in advance of your departure via internet or phone.
2. Get a good dictionary before you go as well as a language phrase book.  Look specifically for phrases on renting apartments or homes.  Phrases such as, "Is electricity and water included in the rent?" can be invaluable.  Do not put this off to your arrival.  It may be hard to find these books once you land and the quality may not be great.
3. Try to make relationships with expats in the area before you go.  Research expat websites for your destination.  Engage in forums about where to live, prices, how to buy groceries, etc.  These can offer a wealth of information for the newbie.  Also find out if there are expat groups that meet in your destination.  While your ultimate goal may be to mingle only with the natives, making friends with a few English speakers who are familiar with the area can be very helpful when you first arrive.
4. Buy a good map of the area. Your map will ideally show public transportation routes as well. You may need these for getting around in your search and eventually for choosing the best location for your accommodation.
5. Make a personal list of what you need.  What is the most important to you?  Size? Safety? Public transportation? High speed internet?  Make a list of the things you absolutely need in an accommodation and narrow your search.
6. Get someone to explain the rules of real estate for your area.  For instance, here in Florianopolis, any property that has a "for rent" sign from a real estate company (as opposed to "by owner") will only negotiate annual rentals and will require 3 months rent up front.  Learning this bit of information narrowed our search considerably.  Find out what the norm is for your destination. 
7. Learn what a reasonable rental looks like in your area.  As tourists, it is easy to be swept into the touristy areas.  My friend here had an agent who only wanted to show her the most expensive areas because she was from the U.S..  She had to insist to be taken to other areas against the agent's wishes.  Look at local newspapers to see what prices are being offered.  Learn about what is normally included (gas, water, electricity, internet, housecleaning?) and what is normally extra. 
8. Look around by car, bus and foot.  Take some time to explore the area's neighborhoods.  You might want to consider renting a car during your search to get a quicker feel for the area.  Ride the local buses to see neighborhoods.  I found that by riding public buses I could get glimpses over walls into properties otherwise invisible by car or foot.  Nothing really beats hitting the road by foot, however, when it comes to being able to see rental signs posted by owners.
9. Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Even if you're horrible at speaking the local language – make attempts anyway.  You may find other people can communicate with you in English or that they will be patient and appreciative of your attempts and willing to help you.
10. Remain open minded.  If you have traveled to a foreign land you will likely find details of daily life to be different.  Sizes of dwellings, types of amenities, etc. may not be at all what you expect.  If you insist on having a microwave, washer and dryer, you may be insisting your way into some very expensive digs.  Be flexible to the idea of living like local people and you will find much more reasonable possibiities.  You may even come to love it!  Believe it or not, my kids are asking to install an outdoor clothes washing sink when we return home because they love washing their clothes by hand.